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Green Building is an approach to sustainable development that is designed to result in a property that reduces energy demand, costs less to operate, improves the residents' quality of life, and reduces its impact on the environment. This Notice uses the terms "Green Retrofit Program" and "GRP" to refer to the various authorities discussed above. Issuance of this Notice implements the Green Retrofit Program.

Grants and loans will be made available through HUD's Office of Affordable Housing Preservation (OAHP) for eligible property owners to make energy and green retrofit investments in the property, to ensure the maintenance and preservation of the property, the continued operation and maintenance of energy efficiency technologies, and the timely expenditure of funds.

Physical and financial analyses of the properties will be conducted to determine the size of each grant and loan. Incentives will be made available to participating owners. The terms of the grants or loans will include continued affordability agreements. Grant and loan funds must be spent by the receiving property owner within two years. Full detail of how to apply, and grant and loan terms, will be published in a Housing Notice on May 13, 2009.

Green Retrofit Program (GRP) for Section 202, Section 811, and Project Based Section 8

Information from HUD

All materials noted as being available from the GRP web site may be found at http://portal.hud.gov/pls/portal/url/page/recovery/programs/green or www.hud.gov/recovery .

The Section 8 housing program is designed to increase the housing choices available to very low-income households by making privately-owned rental housing affordable to them. It provides rent subsidies, either rental certificates or vouchers, on behalf of eligible tenants.

These subsidies usually equal the difference between 30% of the household's adjusted income and the HUD-approved fair market rent (for certificates) or the PHA-approved payment standard (for vouchers). 

Elderly, Disabled, and Section 8 Assisted Housing Energy Retrofits

ARRA provides $2.5 billion to the Green Retrofit Program (GRP) for Section 202, Section 811, and Project Based Section 8.  These funds are to be used for projects that include measures to promote energy efficiency and sustainability such as Energy Star appliances and products, insulation, windows, etc.  These projects are to be administered by HUD OAHP.  Funds can be distributed as either grants or loans of up to $15,000 on an individual project, with an expected average of $10,000.  Funds may be applied for any time after June 15^th, 2009 until funds are distributed.  Properties that apply for the GRP do not have to refinance, and properties that have already participated in the HUD OAHP Green Initiative or that are described in Section 516(a)(4) of MAHRA are not eligible.  More details are available in the GRP NOFA.

Weatherization of Section 8 Housing includes improving the thermal integrity of buildings by the installation of energy saving measures or equipment.

HUD Incentives to Reduce Utility Costs

Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) can increase property values and improve the condition of the public housing stock. HUD incentives allow capital funds and any extra energy savings from ECMs to be allocated by the housing authority toward needed repairs and other eligible expenses. The incentives also reduce HUD's payments to public housing authorities for utility bills.

These incentives do not override the standard Performance Funding System treatment of savings from conservation measures but offer additional options for allocating savings.

If you are considering using these incentives read 24 CFR 990 and 24 CFR 905. Contact the HUD office in your region for approval and implementation.

Cost/Benefit Analysis of Energy Conservation Measures

U.S. Department of Energy  helps select appropriate cost/benefit analyses and helps select the actions that have the best savings potential. The DOE provides instruction on simple payback analysis, standardized payback equations, life-cycle cost analysis, and selecting the "best" alternatives. The site also includes a life-cyle cost calculator.

Simple Payback Analysis

A highly simplified form of cost/benefit analysis is called simple payback. In this method, the total first cost of the improvement is divided by the first-year energy cost savings produced by the improvement. This method yields the number of years required for the improvement to pay for itself. For new construction, it can be used to evaluate conventional construction to energy-efficient design alternatives.

In simple payback analysis, the assumption is that the service life of the energy efficiency measure will equal or exceed the simple payback time. Simple payback analysis provides a relatively easy way to examine the overall costs and savings potentials for a variety of project alternatives. However, it does not consider a number of factors that are difficult to predict, yet can have a significant impact on cost savings. These factors may be considered by using a more sophisticated life-cycle cost analysis.

Standardized Payback Equations

One option is to take advantage of a building energy measurement and verification guideline that standardizes procedures for quantifying energy savings from energy-efficiency projects. Called the International Performance Measure Measurement and Verification Protocol (PDF 2.5 MB) guideline reduces risk and standardizes paperwork. It also enables loans to be bundled together and sold on a secondary market, like mortgages.

Under federal 2009 ARRA funding, California Community Services Division is receiving $185.2 million for the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program to install energy efficiency and health and safety measures in low-income California dwellings. Of that sum, CSD may use a portion to defray the cost of training workers in weatherization, energy audits, and post-installation inspection standards - all of which are considered "green" jobs.

Over the next 27 months, CSD estimates its local providers will expend approximately $15.7 million ($9.6 million per CSD's estimates and $6.1 million reserve set-aside to be used for the inclusion of new grantees) to support sending their field supervisors, weatherization and energy audit employees, and dedicated subcontractors to CSD-approved weatherization training centers to meet DOE training requirements.

Six Core Subjects of Weatherization Job Training

CSD's weatherization training curriculum consists of 6 core subjects, to include:

Basic Weatherization - instruction on performing the basic and more simplistic forms of energy-efficiency measures, including: caulking, CFL installations, weather-stripping of windows and doors, minor home repairs, etc.

Advanced Weatherization - instruction on performing the more advanced forms of energy-efficiency and health and safety measures, including but not limited to: lighting fixture replacements, window and exterior door replacements, small appliance assessment and replacements, CO alarm installations, advanced forms of minor home repairs, etc.

Diagnostic Testing - instruction on the protocols for carrying-out pressurized diagnostic testing to determine the integrity of heating/cooling duct systems for leakage and the extent of outside air infiltration with indoor condition living space

Combustion Appliance Testing - instruction on the proper testing methods for evaluating the operational safety (carbon monoxide emissions) of combustion appliance located with living spaces and procedures for mitigating appliance hazardous conditions.

Health and Safety Environmental Awareness - instruction on the proper techniques to minimize exposure to lead paint hazards during the course of performing weatherization measure activities, and other safe practices intended to ensure the safety and will being of both weatherization crew members and recipients of weatherization services.

Dwelling Assessment - instruction on the proper method for performing health and safety assessments and energy audits of residential dwellings.

Weatherization Training In The Classroom and Online

CSD's weatherization training curriculum is hosted and delivered at two training centers within the state, the PG&E Training Center located in Stockton, California and the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County Training Center. CSD will further supplement training center efforts by developing a series of online training courses, employment recruitment tools, and field trainings all intended to further improve the competency and skill of the weatherization workforces. The online training will offer refresher courses and other educational resources to prepare new employees for the classroom training offered at the state's training centers.

Weatherization Green Job Training Recruitment Tools

Recruitment tools will assist agency providers in their recruitment efforts for hiring new staff or retaining the services of subcontractors to ensure that these recruitment efforts result in the hiring individuals possessing basic skills and aptitude to perform weatherization work, and competent subcontractors.

Quality Control

Lastly, CSD will retain the services of a third-party consultant to evaluate the quality of weatherization work and provide infield training to agency employees and subcontractor workforce.

CSD anticipates expending approximately $7.9 million for these various forms of training and technical assistance activities.

On June 18, 2009, the Department of Energy  announced provision of more than $453 million in Recovery Act funding to expand weatherization assistance programs in 15 additional states.

These funds, along with additional funds to be disbursed after the states meet certain Recovery Act milestones, will help these states achieve their goal of weatherizing more than 165,000 homes, lowering energy costs for low-income families that need it, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating green jobs across the country. 

The following states will receive 40% of their total weatherization funding authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act today:

• California,
  
• Delaware,
  
• District of Columbia,
  
• Florida,
  
• Maryland,
  
• Montana,
  
• North Carolina,
  
• North Dakota,
  
• Nebraska,
  
• Nevada,
  
• Ohio,
  
• South Carolina,
  
• South Dakota,
  
• Utah, and
• West Virginia.
  

Under the Recovery Act, states may spend up to 20% of funds to hire and train workers.

"These awards demonstrate the Obama Administration's strong commitment to  creating jobs and doing important work for the American people--while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly," said Secretary Chu. "Today's investments will save money for hard working families, reduce pollution, strengthen local economies and help move America toward a clean energy future."

DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program will be available to families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level--or about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

Weatherization projects allow low-income families to save money by making their homes more energy efficient, which results in average savings of 32% for heating bills and savings of hundreds of dollars per year on overall energy bills. States will spend approximately $6,500 to weatherize each home.

The funding allocations for the Weatherization Assistance Program follow a stage-gate process: on March 12, funding allocations by state were announced and the initial 10% of total funding was available to states and territories to support planning and ramp-up activities; comprehensive state applications were due on May 12; following a DOE reviews for each state, 40% allocations are awarded; and the remaining 50% of funds will be released when states meet reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act.

This installment adds to the initial 10% of the states' funding allocations that were awarded previously for training and ramp-up activities. Following a review of their comprehensive state plans, these 15 states have now received 50% of their Recovery Act Weatherization Assistance Program funding. Arizona, Kansas, Mississippi and Oregon previously received this 40% funding allocation.

The Recovery Act includes a strong commitment to oversight and accountability, while emphasizing the necessity of rapidly awarding funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.

The National Renewable Energies Lab's  Economic Development program links investors and entrepreneurs to provide avenues to financial services, and connects small businesses with the NREL Incubator Alliance.

NREL supports the growth of renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses.

Through the Enterprise Development program, NREL can help clean energy businesses develop market orientations by facilitating strong links with the financial community, as well as other key stakeholders in the commercialization process.

Contact Lawrence M. Murphy at (303) 275-3050 to learn more about NREL's economic development program.

The Clean Energy Alliance

Established by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, The Clean Energy Alliance  provides tailored business and financial services tailored to the clean-energy community.

Incubators

The Incubator Survey summary completed in December 2006 tracks companies, employees, revenues, and capital raised as a measure of the program's success. (PDF 73.7 KB)

To learn more visit The Clean Energy Alliance.

NREL welcomes inquires from clean energy entrepreneurs, incubators, and network collaborators. 

Contact NREL representative Dr. L. Marty Murphy, Manager of NREL Enterprise Development Programs, Golden, Colorado, at 303-275-3050, lawrence_murphy@nrel.gov or contact the incubators directly:

BizTech
Dick Reeves, CEO
515 Sparkman Dr
Huntsville, AL 35816
256-704-6000(office)

Blue Hill Partners, LLC
Joyce Ferris, Managing Partner
40 West Evergreen Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-247-2400

Business Innovation Center
Tom Siegwald, Director
1301 Azalea Road
Mobile, AL 36693
251-660-7002

Clean Energy Incubator
Kurt Faulhaber, Acting Director
3925 W. Braker Lane R5500
Austin, TX 78704
512-305-0038

Clean Energy Innovation Center
Marty Murphy
Denver, CO

CleanStart/McClellan Technology Incubator
Gary Simon
5022 Bailey Loop Rd
McClellan, CA 95652
916-566-1249

Energy & Environmental Technology Applications Center
Pradeep Haldar, Director
255 Fuller Rd
Albany, NY 12203
518-437-8686

Enterprise Center of Johnson County
Joel Wiggins, President & CEO
8527 Bluejacket Street
Lenexa, KS 66214
913-438-2282

Environmental Business Cluster
James Robbins, Executive Director
2N. First St., 4th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
408-938-3920

Georgia Institute of Technology - Venture Lab
Stephen Fleming, Chief Communications Officer
75 Fifth Street, NW, Suite 314
Atlanta, GA 30308
404-385-2360

Ignite Technology Ventures, LLC
Bruce Anderson, CEO
150 Lincoln St., #3C
Boston, MA 02111
617-290-9913

National Environmental Technology Incubator
Gerald T. Noel, Sr., Acting Executive
P.O. Box 1004
Wilberforce, OH 45384
937-376-6216

Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative
Jeff Morris, Director
300 Fluke Hall, Box #352140
Seattle, WA 98195
609-499-3600

Rensselaer Incubator Program
Michael Tentnowski, Director
110 8th Street/3101 J Building
Troy, NY 12180
518-276-6658

Rutgers EcoComplex
David Specca, Acting Director
1200 Florence-Columbus Rd
Bordertown, NJ 08505
609-499-3600

Technological Research and Development Authority
James N. Culp, Energy Program
5195 S. Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32780
321-269-6330

Technology Ventures Corporation
Suzanne Roberts, Project Director
1155 University Blvd, SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-843-4091

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) works with industry and organizations to transfer renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies into the marketplace.

NREL offers  opportunities and ways for you to partner with the DOE. Learn more about  technology partnership agreements and services:

• Cooperative Research and Development Agreements
• Technologies Available for Licensing
• Technology Partnerships
• Work for Others
• Research Facilities

NREL also help promote the economic development of clean energy technologies, including the development of business connections and networks for entrepreneurs. As part of these efforts, NREL hosts the Industry Growth Forum.

NREL follows its principles for establishing mutually beneficial technology partnerships.

Principles

NREL develops and implements technology partnerships based on the standards established by the following principles:

Balancing Public and Private Interest

Form partnerships that serve the public interest and advance U.S. Department of Energy goals. Demonstrate appropriate stewardship of publicly funded assets, yielding national benefits. Provide value to the commercial partner.

Focusing on Outcomes

Develop mutually beneficial collaborations through processes, which are timely, flexible, efficient, and compliant with requirements. Align actions with business outcomes.

Reflecting Core Values

Conduct technology partnership processes through professional practices, action, and a respect for duty. Align with the fundamental values of honesty, integrity, fairness, stewardship, and quality.

Creating Transparency

Make goals, processes, and the availability of intellectual assets transparent. Keep partners informed of decisions and the status of actions as agreements are developed.

Ensuring Confidentiality

Maintain deep respect for proprietary business information and data.

Seeking Continuous Improvement

Measure, monitor, and seek feedback about processes and outcomes. Use this information to improve processes and practices.

Technologies Available for Licensing

• Advanced Vehicle and Fuels
• Basic Sciences
• Biomass
• Buildings
• Geothermal
• Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
• Solar
• Wind
• All Technologies

Contact Richard Bolin at (303) 275-3028 to learn more about licensing NREL technologies.

The Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP or the Solar Program), is a federal program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), working to advance  solar energy technologies in  four  areas:

• photovoltaics (PV)
• concentrating solar power (CSP)
• market transformation
• systems integration

These four programs support the Solar Program's goal of spreading solar electric technologies across the United States through applied research and development, demonstration, and market transformation activities.

Photovoltaics

The photovoltaic (PV) subprogram partners with industry, national labs, and universities to accelerate cost reductions and ensure reliability of PV technologies. The subprogram supports research to improve efficiencies of solar cells, modules, and systems; reduce solar manufacturing and installation costs; and increase solar system operating life and reliability.

Concentrating Solar Power

The concentrating solar power (CSP) subprogram collaborates with industry and national labs to advance the development of CSP systems and storage technologies. DOE is dedicating increasing resources to CSP research and deployment efforts.

Market Transformation

The market transformation subprogram focuses on reducing barriers to the adoption of solar technologies through targeted activities that encompass

• solar codes and standards,
  
• workforce development,
  
• analysis of system financing options,
  
• strategic industry partnerships.

Systems Integration

The systems integration subprogram focuses on reducing the technical and economic barriers that prohibit high levels of renewable energy on the electric power system. Systems integration activities include collaborating with organizations, such as the DOE Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, to work with utilities and industry to develop the technologies and methods that will enable widespread penetration of distributed solar technologies

Funding Opportunities in DOE Solar Programs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP or Solar Program) posts current and past funding opportunities for all program areas, including research and development (R&D), market transformation, and systems integration projects. In addition, links to related opportunities from DOE national laboratories and other federal agencies are available.  DOE Solar Funding Opportunities

David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency , appeared before Congress to discuss the potential for increased energy efficiency in new and existing buildings to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Utility Efficiency

The Department of Energy is also working with the utility industry to increase opportunities for efficiency investments in homes and commercial buildings. Across the United States, our current utility ratemaking structure provides incentive for investor-owned utilities to sell more electricity and gas, not less.

Rate Strategies to Reward Selling Less Electricity and Gas... not More

Encouraging efficiency leads to selling less, which is counter-intuitive to the present business paradigm. So through the policy framework of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, we are working with industry and state and local governments to realign incentives which are fundamentally crucial to making significant progress in the area of energy efficiency.

State Utility Regulations for Energy Efficiency

For example, states play a critical role in providing various types of financial awards for superior performance by their electric and or gas utilities in delivering energy efficiency. Additionally, some states allow a "decoupling" between utility sales and profit or some other form of removing financial disincentives. Still others allow cost recovery of utility efficiency spending.

Utility Innovations: Online Calculators, Meters, Displays, Controllers, Pricing Plans

Utility companies are responding to these state efforts with innovative programs of their own.

Many utility companies are introducing online calculators, advanced electric meters, in-home displays, remote-control devices that manage or control end-use loads, and innovative pricing plans.

Across the country, the combined efforts of state regulators and utility companies are empowering consumers to make their buildings and homes use energy more wisely and efficiently.

The Department has advocated the use of Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESCs), bringing Federal agencies and utilities togeth­er to identify, develop, finance, and imple­ment cost-effective energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable projects at Federal sites. At the Naval Station-Great Lakes north of Chicago more than $100 million in investments saved more than $22 million and 1.3 billion Btu annually from electricity, steam, natural gas, fuel oil, and propane.

SOURCE: 
Testimony of David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency before the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, United States House of Representatives. Topic: Buildings Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gases, July 17, 2008, EERE Energy Efficiency

David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency , appeared before Congress to discuss the potential for increased energy efficiency in new and existing buildings to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Public Education and Outreach for Market Penetration

The Department of Energy is also focusing on broad public education and outreach in order to facilitate widespread market penetration of energy efficient technologies

Public campaigns, such as the "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign, have been used to drive public awareness. Each fall the Department, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, encourages consumers to change out old incandescent bulbs for new compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that have earned the ENERGY STAR seal of approval. The "Change a Light, Change the World campaign" is now in its seventh year.

DOE Outreach Partnership with Walt Disney

In order to further encourage consumer adoption of energy efficient technologies like compact fluorescent lamps, DOE has embarked upon an innovative partnership with the Walt Disney Corporation. DOE announced in 2007 that it had teamed up with Disney in a nationwide campaign to promote energy efficiency through a TV spot based on the Disney Pixar film "Ratatouille." The 30-second animated spot features the characters from the movie, and urges viewers to make the switch from incandescent bulbs to ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lights. The spot, showcased nationwide during primetime viewing hours, reached more than 117 million households between June 15 and August 15, 2007, through networks including HGTV, Food Network, and DIY.

DOE Campaign to Target 8 to 12 Year Old Children

Also, we are working on a campaign to be launched late this summer targeting 8 to 12 years old on they can  learn to become more energy efficient.

DOE Military Base Campaign

Another campaign, launched this past Earth Day, challenges military bases nationwide to replace their incandescent light bulbs with CFLs in on-base housing. The joint DOE and Department of Defense campaign, called "Operation Change Out," will help bases across the country increase energy efficiency, save money on utility bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

DOE Influences Policymakers, Industry and Consumers

Through these and other campaigns, the Department is committed to motivating policymakers, industry, and consumers to embrace energy efficiency values in their states, cities, and homes.

DOE Building Technologies Program Best Practices Website

The Department's Building Technologies Program website is also a helpful educational resource for the public.

The site details best practice guidelines for realizing 30% energy savings, and is aimed at homeowners, builders, or designers who seek to incorporate energy-efficient building practices into a new or existing home.

The Building Technologies guidelines address each step of the home-building process, based on an integrated or whole building, approach. They cover the planning and financing of a home or renovation project, the design and construction phase, and ongoing maintenance. While many best practice guidelines apply regardless of geography, others are tailored to the challenges of a specific climate zone, a key consideration in creating an energy-efficient home.

SOURCE: 
Testimony of David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency before the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, United States House of Representatives. Topic: Buildings Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gases, July 17, 2008, EERE Energy Efficiency

David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency , appeared before Congress to discuss the potential for increased energy efficiency in new and existing buildings to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Despite today's focus on the cost of time on the road, Americans spend virtually their entire week working, eating, studying, recreating, and sleeping in a residential or commercial building.

The building sector represents 40% of the nation's primary energy consumption--72% of electricity and 55% of natural gas--exceeding any other sector of the U.S. economy, including transportation and industry. In 2007, GHG emissions from the built environment were 2,317 million metric tons or 39% of total U.S. emissions.

Unlike automobiles, whose life is comparatively short, buildings can last for decades. The median lifetime for commercial buildings is 65-80 years. Twenty-five percent of American homes were built before 1950 and overall, almost three-quarters of our nation's 88 million buildings were built before 1979.  Some were designed and constructed for limited service, and many will eventually require either significant retrofits or replacement. EERE estimates that an additional two million new buildings will be built between now and 2010, depending on economic conditions.  Together, aging buildings and new construction represent a tremendous opportunity to transform how we design, build, and operate buildings in order to decrease energy consumption in the built environment and reduce GHG emissions.

Energy efficiency is the quickest, least costly, and lowest risk path to achieving sustained reductions of GHG emissions. Efficiency bolsters the nation's economic competitiveness and enhances our security. Significantly, robust and evolving arrays of energy efficient technologies are market-ready today at attractive rates of return with enormous untapped potential.

In fact, in a 2007 report, McKinsey Global Institute identified energy savings from existing technologies sufficient to cut the growth in global energy consumption by half or more over 15 years.

Increasing the efficiency of new and existing buildings provides the nation with a tremendous opportunity to reduce both energy consumption and the GHG emissions, improving the environment and reducing energy costs for citizens and businesses. DOE's estimates of the cumulative avoided greenhouse gases associated with the FY 2009 Building Technologies Program ranges from 330 to 517 MMTC02 in the year 2020 and 1611 to 2141 MMTC02 in the year 2030, as reported in its official Congressional Budget Request.

Our goal is to promote cost-effective, reliable, market-available policies, practices, and technologies that will permanently reduce the trajectory of U.S. energy demand growth and the carbon footprint of the built environment, concurrent with economic growth.

Our efforts are focused in six key areas:

• Model Building Codes
• Appliance Standards and Lighting
• Research and Development
• Civic Infrastructure
• Public Education and Outreach
• Utility Efficiency

SOURCE: 
Testimony of David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency before the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, United States House of Representatives. Topic: Buildings Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gases, July 17, 2008, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/office_eere/rodgers_testimony_071708.html